Images of Portugal

Days

7

Price from

$2,965AUD

Explore the coast of Portugal, from Lisbon to Porto

No longer Europe’s best kept secret, Portugal is the place to come for a European holiday with a twist. Full of grand cities, medieval villages and World Heritage sites, this is a charming country where you’ll feel like a week just isn’t enough.

Images of Portugal

Explore the coast of Portugal, from Lisbon to Porto

No longer Europe’s best kept secret, Portugal is the place to come for a European holiday with a twist. Full of grand cities, medieval villages and World Heritage sites, this is a charming country where you’ll feel like a week just isn’t enough.

Why we love this trip

Get an insight into fado, an atmospheric amalgamation of music and poetry, a very popular art form in Lisbon.

Soak up the glamour and the sun while winding along the stunning Bay of Cascais

Enjoy the Old World romance of the medieval citadel of Obidos – complete with charming cobblestone streets of course

Feel the royal heritage and the student-led vibrancy in the Old Quarter of the university town of Coimbra

Follow the smell of stinky cheese to the Comer e Chorar Por Mais – filled to the brim with delicious cheese, meats, breads and port. Huddle around an upturned port barrel on the shop floor for exclusive tastings

Much like the first king of Portugal did, survey a landscape filled with history from the Palace of Guimaraes

Is this trip right for you?

As there are potholes and cobblestones in many European cities, it's recommended that you leave any wheelie bags or cases at home and bring a backpack instead.

Summer temperatures can be very high in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

Gallery

Itinerary

Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital. One of Europe's most pleasant and affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. You will be taken to our centrally located joining hotel (details are in your travel documents) from Lisbon airport. While it’s of course up to you, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe, due to this method of transport's minimal carbon emissions. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6 pm, but you will be advised as to the exact place and time in a notice placed near the reception at your hotel). Here your leader will give a briefing of what lies ahead on your trip. This is followed by a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel Florida Lisbon or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included

Today you’ll explore the treasures of Lisbon, which is located on the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River and is truly one of Europe’s great cities. Much of Lisbon’s character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. With your guide leading the way, hop on the ‘electrico’ (tram) and discover the city. Visit the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed throughout history, some sections of walls and 18 different towers remain today. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. You will also visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral, which was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. Inside are nine chapels, each with their own story to tell, and the wonderful Gothic cloister. Roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighbourhoods and see local life play out. In the afternoon make further discoveries of Lisbon wonders - visit Belem Tower (a wonderful building originally designed as a lighthouse) and the vast, spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos. This evening, regroup and experience more of Lisbon’s cultural heritage with an evening that includes traditional ‘fado’ music show. Tonight’s dinner is at your own expense.

Accommodation

Hotel Florida Lisbon or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Lisbon Cathdral

Castle of Sao Jorge

Lisbon - Fado Show

Explore Lisbon with a Local Guide

Optional Activities

Entrance to Belem Tower - EUR8

Entrance to Jeronimos Monastery - EUR6

Meals Included

Travel outside of the city today for a full-day excursion from Lisbon. Firstly, travel along the coast, following the estuary of the great Tejo River to reach the Cabo da Rocha (approximately 45 minutes), a cape which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. After the colourful Bay of Cascais and its dazzling beaches, stop in cosmopolitan Cascais (approximately 30 minutes). Once a quiet fishing village, Cascais later became a residence of the Portuguese royal court in the 19th century, and is now a glamorous holiday destination of designer boutiques and upscale restaurants. Before you get to your main destination today, Sintra (approximately 30 minutes), there is an opportunity to stop in one of the beautiful spots on the way, to enjoy a picnic lunch in the Parque Natoral de Sintra-Cascias. Lunch is optional and at your own expense. It will be a group decision whether you will all feast on local specialities with the most western spot of the entire Europe continent in the background. Sintra is an absolute jewel of Portugal. This bewitching place, with its fairytale atmosphere, is set amidst lush vegetation and rugged, mystical hills. The cooler climes made it a summer retreat for royalty, and it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend your time here exploring Sintra’s Castle of the Moors. The 8th century fortification looks down on the old town, and the views from the battlements across the Serra de Sintra mountain range are stunning. On the drive back to Lisbon in the afternoon, see a different perspective of the capital as you approach it from the other side of the Tagus River. After a great full day of sights, enjoy this evening at your leisure in Lisbon.

Accommodation

Hotel Florida Lisbon or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Pena Palace Sintra

Meals Included

This morning, farewell Lisbon and travel to the pretty medieval town of Óbidos (approximately 1 hour). On a short stroll through this romantic town enclosed by medieval walls, encounter charming cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses adorned with geranium and bougainvillea flower boxes, gothic doorways and whitewashed churches. Continue to the Monastery of Batalha (approximately 1 hour), one of Europe’s best examples of Gothic architecture. A World Heritage-listed structure, this monastery was built to celebrate Portugal’s 1385 victory over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota. Our next stop on the way to Coimbra is at the well preserved set of Roman Ruins in Conimbriga, which once was just a post occupied by Roman troops to then become the prosperous capital city of the Lusitania province. Your final destination for today, and base for the evening, is the university city of Coimbra (approximately 1 hour). Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Join your tour leader on a wander through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter and University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal.

Accommodation

Hotel Vila Gale or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Monastery of Batalha

Roman ruins of Conimbriga

Meals Included

Leaving Coimbra today, travel northbound to Portugal’s second largest city, Porto (Oporto), the capital of the north that sits between the River Douro and the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 1.30 hours). This will be your base for the next two nights. The World Heritage-listed Ribeira district is filled with a collection of twisting alleys, criss-crossing staircases and baroque churches. On a guided tour, discover one of Portugal's most romantic cities. Passing majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes, stop by the cathedral, the Tower of Clérigos, and the impressive hall of Porto’s Sao Bento Railway Station. The tower offers sensational sweeping views across the whole city, while the grand train station and its historic entrance hall panels evokes a more refined age of rail travel. On our exploration today we will also discover lesser known parts of the city; in fact known well, but only to the local people and experts. We’ll go under the skin of this beautiful city by tasting some of the best coffee and pastry in town, in small, classic cafes, enjoying best local Port wine in cosy local taverns and sampling some of the local specialities like codfish and the Francesinha. You can spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of this coastal strolling along the riverside or observing local life in action from one of many rooftop bars. Hotel we’re going to base ourselves in Porto is a living museum, with a high relevance to the history and culture, but also nicely balanced in to the current cosmopolitan atmosphere of downtown Porto. Hotel was opened in 1877 and since it has earned a long and rich experience that is now preserved in different forms of various historical periods. Antique pieces, interior gardens and multi-lingual library makes this hotel and authentic and unforgettable base to discover Porto.

Accommodation

Grande Hotel de Paris (Porto) or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Porto guided food tasting tour

Meals Included

Today you will journey outside of Porto to Guimarães (approximately 1 hour). Portugal’s first capital and the birthplace of the country’s first king (the ‘conqueror’, which gives the town its name), the town consists of a well-preserved old city and an impressive castle. Explore Palace of the Dukes of Braganza located in the historical centre of the city and witness the greatness of the Guimarães Castle, one of the most complete medieval strongholds in Portugal, dating from the 10th century. As the believed birthplace of King Afonso Henriques, the castle is something of a national shrine. Next it’s on to Braga (30 minutes), considered by many to be one of Portugal’s most stunning cities. It has long been a religious centre, and overflows with churches, monasteries, and chapels. The charm of this place lies in its impressive Baroque buildings, most notably the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. On the western slopes of Monte Espinho, the sanctuary is lead to by a magnificent criss-crossing staircase that has 14 different chapels, each representing a station of the cross. Drive back to Porto after your day of exploration, and then enjoy a final farewell and celebratory dinner at a local restaurant as this Portuguese adventure comes to an end.

Accommodation

Grande Hotel de Paris (Porto) or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Guided tour of Guimarães incl.visit of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Meals Included

Today your Portugal adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's so much to see and do in the exciting city of Porto, however, we recommend extending your stay for a few nights. If you need further accommodation, our reservations team would be happy to assist (subject to availability).

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Meals

6 breakfasts,
2 dinners

Transport

Minibus,
Tram

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (4 nights),
Feature stay (2 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Lisbon Cathdral

Castle of Sao Jorge

Lisbon - Fado Show

Explore Lisbon with a Local Guide

Pena Palace Sintra

Monastery of Batalha

Roman ruins of Conimbriga

Porto guided food tasting tour

Guided tour of Guimarães incl.visit of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Meals

6 breakfasts,
2 dinners

Transport

Minibus,
Tram

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (4 nights),
Feature stay (2 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Lisbon Cathdral

Castle of Sao Jorge

Lisbon - Fado Show

Explore Lisbon with a Local Guide

Pena Palace Sintra

Monastery of Batalha

Roman ruins of Conimbriga

Porto guided food tasting tour

Guided tour of Guimarães incl.visit of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Days

7

Price from

$2,965AUD

Explore the coast of Portugal, from Lisbon to Porto

No longer Europe’s best kept secret, Portugal is the place to come for a European holiday with a twist. Full of grand cities, medieval villages and World Heritage sites, this is a charming country where you’ll feel like a week just isn’t enough.

Reviews

Nettie Barrow

Portugal is a wonderful destination offering a range of experiences. Peregrine
Our Peregrine tour gave us a great insight into Portugal and it's people. It was a delight. When choosing the right tour for you take care that the trip standard of accommodation and activity level is right for you. Reviews from travellers may be a better guide that just relying on the companies information. Our group were an entertaining and interesting lot but their expectations and physical abilities varied greatly.

Dates & availability

Next trip departures

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Important notes

A single supplement is available on this trip with no exceptions. Please ask your agent for more details about pricing and availability.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.